Round 2 Game 1 Preview: Pens v Caps

by Hooks Orpik on May 2, 2009 9:54 AM EDT

It's been a week since the Penguins have played...It's only felt like a month. But that should be a good thing since guys a little banged up should be about as close to 100% as you'll see for the playoffs.

If you're a student of history, you surely know that the Pens carry a 6-1 playoff series advantage over the Caps. Since the last playoff series was in 2001, and no players that really were involved in it will be around this time (save Sergei Gonchar, who's changed sides) I think the history means more to the fans than players. The Peerless found a cool stat though, the Caps actually own Game 1 against the Penguins, the Pens have lost 6 of 7 Game 1's to the Caps. Take it for what it's worth.

Here's a look at the Caps line from practice yesterday --though it wouldn't be surprising at all if they tweak the forward combinations before/during the game.

Ovechkin-Fedorov-Kozlov
Fleischmann-Backstrom-Semin
Laich-Steckel-Bradley
Clark-Gordon-Fehr

Morrisonn-Green
Erskine-Pothier
Poti-Jurcina

Expect Michael Nylander and Jeff Schultz to be scratches. Donald Brashear, of course, is suspended and won't be eligible to play until Game 6, if we get to that point. Speaking of Brashear, if you have a few minutes before game-time, read this piece from the Washington Post. It's amazing what he's been through.

The cards are all out there, the table is set. It's Pens/Caps time.

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This is going to be the series of the postseason

Until the inevitable Pens-Wings rematch.

Great Job by the NHL to schedule it in the middle of a saturday afternoon, and they wonder why the league is struggling

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on May 2, 2009 10:14 AM EDT reply actions

Your right this is going to be the match-up of the post season. As for it being an afternoon game I have n problem with that. Am I the only one who like after noon games? A small part of why the league in struggling is this little economic depression effecting north america. Also have to prop up Phoenix in of a few mill doesn’t help

Lifes rough, wear a helment

by lambofgad on May 2, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions

well I dont mind it either

but it seems par for the course to put your best matchups in primetime

the league has been struggling long before this most recent recession, and your right, teams in Arizona, Florida, Tennessee have no business being in the NHL

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on May 2, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions

The game time writes me off..

for the rest of the day thats for sure. I’ll be absolutely useless and possibly a little drunk if this game doesn’t go well

Lifes rough, wear a helment

by lambofgad on May 2, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

You’d be surprised but the fan base in those markets is pretty rabid. Unfortunately it’s more of like a cult following than anything else, but the NHL is putting a lot of focus in on those markets and trying to build up the sport through community programs. Frankly I don’t think we’ll be far off from seeing a kid getting drafted out of Nashville in, say, 2020.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on May 2, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions

In markets like that its to hard to pry they from basketball and football. IMO (don’t get mad if I strike a nerve) Fans in these areas only have the time an the disposable income to be married to maybe one sport, I only have the stomach for one abusive sports relationship myself. ANd for these "community programs’ to work you have to rip kids away from the tradition of football. Maybe if a kid gets drafted like you say people would get behind the sport and well take pride in it. But then again i’ve never been in these areas so anything I say can be way off.

Lifes rough, wear a helment

by lambofgad on May 2, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions

I have no problem with an afternoon game. I just kinda worry with how bad the Pens normally play during this time slot.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on May 2, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Today did not come soon enough… have been tired all week, post adrenalin crash combined with no hockey to watch… ugh. It is amazing how much attention this series is getting.

by AngelaMc on May 2, 2009 11:11 AM EDT reply actions

sharks fan here,

jumping aboard the pens bandwagon

I don't like you Detroit.

by mattman on May 2, 2009 11:46 AM EDT reply actions

I don’t like you Detroit… you’re in : )

by AngelaMc on May 2, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Welcome. We praise your efforts and despise Detroit as well. Personally I was a bit disappointed to see the Sharks exit early.

So if you hate Detroit, are you rooting for the Ducks?

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on May 2, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Donald Brashear

just finished reading the Donald Brashear story it was.. i mean WOW. heart wrenching would be the best term to describe it.

Lifes rough, wear a helment

by lambofgad on May 2, 2009 12:06 PM EDT reply actions

I started reading it but had to take care of some stuff before the game. Hope to finish it before though. I love player features like that

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on May 2, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks for posting that article, as a caps fan thats more than I knew about him and as much as he seems like a goon I still love him as a cap. Jumping aboard your blog for the series and wish both sides the best but I can say as much as I want a good series I still want the caps to win.

by i12swim on May 2, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

I loved the article as well. It explains why he always looks sad on the ice, mainly when he’s in the box after a fight. Can’t help but feel for him. It will be a great series swim. Go Pens Go

Lifes rough, wear a helment

by lambofgad on May 2, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions